August 11, 2012

Cowboys would tweak play calls if Arkin starts Monday at center

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said coaches will tweak the offensive play calls to make things simpler on David Arkin if he winds up being the primary center for Monday’s pre-season opener at Oakland.

Arkin, a guard who is learning the center position, has struggled with snaps _ particularly shotgun snaps _ during practices. With starting center Phil Costa (back) expected to miss Monday’s game, Garrett said coaches need to make Arkin “comfortable” with their play calls during the time he plays center against the Raiders.

“If David is the center, we will make sure that we are doing some things he is comfortable with doing,” Garrett said. “He’s gotten a lot of reps during training camp. More reps than any offensive lineman I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s playing a ton of guard, he’s playing a lot of center and he’s doing a heck of a job. He’s battling through it. So this will be a good opportunity for him if he does (start).”

Garrett said guard Mackenzy Bernadeau or tackle Pat McQuistan could slide into the center role, if needed, against the Raiders in emergency situations.